The secret to finding a high heel that won’t kill your feet

There’s nothing like high heels to elevate an outfit and make you feel confident – except when they’re hurting your feet and you end up having to carry them around the rest of the night.

So, is it actually possible to find heels that look good and don’t cause pain? Podiatrist Laura Kelly, clinical director and co-owner of The Foot Studio, told nine.com.au it is if you keep a few things in mind when shopping for them, including choosing your heels based on what you’ll be doing while wearing them.

“If you’re sitting at your desk for most of the day, wearing heels may be perfectly reasonable,” she said.

“But if you’re walking between meetings, commuting or standing for long periods, changing into a more supportive pair of shoes can make a significant difference to your comfort and long-term foot health.

“I see many executive women and professionals who have found that simply planning their footwear throughout the day has dramatically reduced foot pain without giving up the heels they enjoy wearing.”

Finding a more supportive pair of heels involves finding a shoe with features that support your foot. It also needs to fit well, as Kelly said that can cause pain more than the height of the heel.

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“Interestingly, comfort isn’t determined by heel height alone. A well-designed, well-fitted moderate heel can often feel far more comfortable than a lower shoe that doesn’t suit your foot,” she said.

“If you’re choosing a heel, I’d recommend looking for a wider, more stable heel rather than a narrow stiletto.

“It provides a broader base of support, a moderate heel height rather than an extremely high heel, cushioning built into the shoe itself – particularly under the ball of the foot and a secure fastening and a supportive back section of the shoe that helps keep the heel stable.”

With fit the most important factor for finding a comfortable pair of heeled shoes, getting fitted properly is essential.

While you may think you know your shoe size, Kelly revealed adult shoe size isn’t as fixed as we think and can change with things like age, pregnancy, weight, injuries and some medical conditions, so it’s worth having both feet measured when you go shopping for shoes.

Once you’ve found out your current shoe size, Kelly has some tips for ensuring you find the most comfortable heels.

“Be open to trying different brands and styles. The best shoe is the one that fits your foot, not necessarily the one you originally had in mind,” she said.

“Undo all buckles or straps before trying the shoe on so you can place your foot into the shoe properly before fastening it around your foot. Don’t squeeze your foot to fit the shoe. 

“Walk around the store for several minutes. Your heel should feel secure without slipping, and you should have enough room through the forefoot without pressure on your toes. 

“Look for good grip, a secure fastening such as a buckle or adjustable strap, and a firm, supportive back section around the heel.

“This helps improve stability while walking.”

Once you’ve found your comfier heels, you may want to break them in, especially if the first time you’re wearing them won’t be until an event.

To do this, Kelly advised wearing them for short periods of time around the house and if you’re feeling pain now don’t ignore it.

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“Gradually increase the amount of time you wear them, and if you’re expecting to walk long distances, take a second pair of comfortable shoes with you,” she said. 

“Shoes may soften slightly over time, but your shoes shouldn’t cause pain while you are ‘breaking’ them in.

“If they’re uncomfortable from the beginning, it’s often a sign they aren’t the right fit for your foot.”